Solar Watch — August 18, 2026 | 06:00 UTC

☀ Helios Solar Watch · 2026-08-18 04:00 UTC
UNSETTLED

Geomagnetic conditions are currently unsettled with a Kp index of 4.0, following a steady increase over the last 24 hours. While solar activity remains moderate, current models suggest a brief reach into G1 storm thresholds later today.

HMI Continuum Intensity

Visible light · 4 active regions

SUVI 304 — Extreme UV

Extreme UV · 304 Å

Kp Index
4.0
5 or above = storm

Geomagnetic
G0
24 h max: G1

X-Ray
A/B
quiet


⚠ Kp 4 expected · 4 more below
Next 24 h

Conditions are expected to dip briefly before rising again, with a forecasted peak of Kp 4.67 (G1 level) expected around 09:00 UTC.

more

The remainder of the day will likely see a return to quiet-to-unsettled levels as the current geomagnetic impulse passes.

🌌 Aurora

Aurora visibility is generally restricted to high latitudes.

more

Observers in northern Canada and Scandinavia may catch minor displays during the 09:00 UTC window; however, mid-latitude visibility (40-60°N) remains unlikely.

👁 Watch for

Monitor the 09:00 UTC peak for any sustained increase in magnetic activity that could push beyond the G1 forecast.

▸ Detailed readings

Radio blackout
 R0
(24 h max R0)
Radiation
 S0
(24 h max S0)
F10.7
 115.0
sfu

Region Location Class Flares C/M/X
AR4508 N08W09 Cao/B 0/0/0
AR4507 N04W41 Eki/BG 3/0/0
AR4510 N12W68 Cai/B 6/0/0
AR4506 N12W58 Dao/B 0/0/0
NOAA messages
2026-08-18 02:27  Kp 4 expected (WARK04)
2026-08-18 02:27  Kp 5 (G1) expected (WARK05)
2026-08-17 22:46  Kp 20 possible (WATA20)
2026-08-17 21:05  Kp 4 reached (ALTK04)
2026-08-17 17:19  ALTTP2 (ALTTP2)


Helios Observer · Data: NOAA SWPC · updated every 12 h